Context: The Ministry of Culture has initiated Project PARI (Public Art of India) to coincide with the 46th World Heritage Committee Meeting in New Delhi from 21-31 July 2024.

About Project PARI (Public Art of India)

• It is an initiative by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, executed by Lalit Kala Akademi and the National Gallery of Modern Art. It aims to stimulate dialogue, reflection, and inspiration, enriching India’s cultural landscape.

• Executors: Managed by Lalit Kala Akademi and National Gallery of Modern Art.

• The proposed sculptures for Project PARI explore a wide range of themes, including tributes to nature, ideas inspired by the Natyashastra, Gandhi ji, traditional Indian toys, hospitality, ancient knowledge, Naad or Primeval Sound, Harmony of Life, and Kalpataru (the divine tree).

Objective

• To Showcase public art inspired by India’s traditional art heritage (lok kala/lok sanskriti) with  modern themes and techniques.

• This project highlights significant participation of women artists, showcasing Bharat’s NARI SHAKTI.

• Project PARI aims to stimulate dialogue, reflection, and inspiration, contributing to the dynamic cultural fabric of the nation.

• Project PARI includes a wide array of artwork inspired by traditional Indian art forms.

Artistic Contributions in project PARI

• Artists and Art Forms

• Participation: Over 150 visual artists from across India.

• Art Styles: Includes Phad (Rajasthan), Thangka (Sikkim/Ladakh), Miniature (Himachal Pradesh), Gond (Madhya Pradesh), Tanjore (Tamil Nadu), Kalamkari (Andhra Pradesh), Alpona (West Bengal), Cheriyal (Telangana), Pichhwai (Rajasthan), Lanjia Saura (Odisha), Pattachitra (West Bengal), Bani Thani (Rajasthan), Warli (Maharashtra), Pithora (Gujarat), Aipan (Uttarakhand), Kerala Murals (Kerala), and Alpana (Tripura).

• Sculptures and Themes

• Themes: Sculptures pay tribute to nature, inspired by the Natyashastra, Gandhi, Indian toys, hospitality, ancient knowledge, Primeval Sound (Naad), Harmony of Life, and the divine tree Kalpataru.

• World Heritage Inspiration: Some artworks and sculptures draw inspiration from World Heritage Sites like Bimbetka and the seven natural World Heritage Sites in India.

• Historical Significance of Artistic Heritage 

• Rich Artistic Legacy: India has a long history of artistic expression, showcasing cultural and spiritual diversity.

• Forms of Art: From ancient rock-cut temples and frescoes to grand sculptures and vibrant street art.

• Integration with Life: Art in India has been closely linked to daily life, religious practices, and social customs, including dance, music, theater, and visual arts.

Significance of Public Art

• Cultural Reflection

• Representation: Public art represents India’s diverse cultural heritage.

• Accessibility: Transforms urban spaces into open galleries, making art accessible to everyone.

• Inclusivity and Social Cohesion

• Democratization: Public art installations bring art outside museums and galleries, integrating it into daily life.

• Shared Identity: Fosters a shared cultural identity and enhances social unity.

• Engagement: Invites citizens to interact with art, stimulating dialogue, reflection, and inspiration.